I hope this helps,  the front yard slopes upward to wood fencing and then becomes more level with two maple trees and an elderberry that we planted and is expanding.    On the main sloping part we added blueberry bushes and obedient plants (False Dragonhead), which have to be maintained because it spreads, but the blooms are enjoyed by the bees.  In the strip between the sidewalk and the road, we planted a diverse mix of wild flowers. Wildflowers and Blueberries   On the left side of the driveway, we have a pomegranate shrub/tree, smaller cherry bushes, Purple Coneflower and Black-eyed Susan.      To the right of the blueberries, there is also a fig tree surrounded by mountain mint and other smaller plants.  Luckily,  we have wild blackberries that have been around in the yard and are found under and around the blueberries.    We also added Indigo, Joe Pied Weed, Virginia Sweetspire and Pineapple Sage along the edge of the driveway.    The Joe Pye Weed is great and grows very tall every year and has expanded.    The bees love it when it is blooming.  Since it is summer, everything is growing like crazy and the photos reflect that I need to do trimming/pruning during the fall.  ... View more

Karen and I have moved our front yard from grass to native plants and some fruits.   I have found that native plants help with the pollinators.   Here is an Audubon site about native plants : https://www.audubon.org/native-plants .  Hope this helps.  ... View more

I looked for a recording and could not find one.  I will let you know if they post one or send an email.  I also missed the program due to a conflict.  They do have many videos on the Xerces Society YouTube page.   https://www.youtube.com/c/XercesSociety/featured ... View more

@paulhenry3443 - My experience with birdwatching has taught me that holding 10x binos steady on  a windy day can be difficult when looking at birds.  I would suggest the 8x.  I think 8x42 offer the best in terms of looking for birds.  The rule of thumb is to spend as much as you have in your budget. A lot of the more expensive binos help you see in low light (dawn or dusk).  One factor is the "eye relief", if your brother wears glasses you will want a longer eye relief so he can use them with his glasses on.    Another factor is the "close focus", how close can you get to the object you are look at.  A shorter close focus is helpful when looking at butterflies, bees, and invertebrates.  I hope this helps.  ... View more

Two scary moments that I still think about : 1) While in Alaska, we were in a National Forest birding and a bear cub came running by.   Immediately we moved as far away as possible.  Did not want to meet Mama bear! 2) While in Florida, we were at Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge and heard a hissing sound.   We then realized an alligator nest was nearby and Mama gator was signaling a warning.  Made a quick u-turn and moved out of the area away from the nest.      ... View more

Very nice hike!  Yes, Merlin is a great app for bird id.  Northern Flickers are amazing, a well dressed bird 🙂       ... View more

I think my outdoor activity found me, Karen and I were at  J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island, FL and we noticed Roseate Spoonbills. They were cool looking and we decided we should start keeping track of what birds we see.   Appreciation of birds has also lead to butterflies, native  bees, trees, and dragonflies.   Always good to get outside and see what is out there.   ... View more